Australian ATPL(H) conversion to EASA Equivalent

[Hey-Driver]

Has anybody had any recent success trying to convert an Australian CASA issued ATPL Helicopter licence to an EASA ATPL Helicopter licence?

What are the number of theory exams, flight tests, medical examinations, to be completed?

Which is the best EASA member state to do this in?

Has the process become easier now that CASA issues Part 61 ICAO licences?

I haven't found any reliable information on this subject on the internet.

Thanks.

Hey-Driver

[paco]

What are the number of theory exams, flight tests, medical examinations, to be completed?

14 TK exams, but if you have 1000 hours multicrew you are exempt formal training. However, this would be a BIG mistake.

1 flight test, plus any type rating issues. If you are current and have 500 hours on a machine they will grant you a type rating with just an LPC. Otherwise it will be a full type rating course.

1 medical exam

Which is the best EASA member state to do this in?

Probably the UK, but the IAA (Ireland) are also worth considering for future licence issues. You would likely have to do the medical there though.

Has the process become easier now that CASA issues Part 61 ICAO licences?

Probably not

Phil

[Hey-Driver]

Thanks Phil,

Do you have a reference for these requirements? A UK CAA document maybe?

There has been talk of CASA working with EASA to allow the reciprocal recognition of most of the ATPL theoretical knowledge exams for licence conversions. This is a bit more realistic than repeating the whole ATPL theory course (14 exams), wouldn't you agree?

CASA has a document which details the requirements for overseas ATPL (H) conversions in Australia which is available at:

casa.gov.au/wcmswr/_assets/main/fcl/.../atplh_requirements.pdf

They only require three theory exams to be passed as part of converting an overseas ATPL:

- CPL Flight Rules and Air Law for Helicopters (CLWH)
- Human Factors (AHUF)
- ATPL Air Law (AALW)

- then the IREX exam to allow the issue of a CIR

There are also separate flight tests for the issue of the ATPL and the CIR.

Thanks again.

HD

[ersa]

Im doing mine now, the help of phil for the theory....

You will be up for the 14 TK exams.....
Pass the EASA medical
Flight test .....

CAP 804 section 4 part Q subpart2 page 1

To convert your singles over 100 hours in each type to avoid a full blown type rating

To convert multi over 300 hours on type

The conversion process was easier under CAR5 , now you have to prove all your ratings to EASA as there not on your licence...

Good LUCK...It is not advisable to sit the exams without a course....contact Phil...

Doing it under the UK CAA and avoid the German Nazi under any circumstances

There has been talk of CASA working with EASA to allow the reciprocal recognition of most of the ATPL theoretical knowledge exams for licence conversions. This is a bit more realistic than repeating the whole ATPL theory course (14 exams), wouldn't you agree? Thats a JOKE

[Bomber ARIS]

Good info so far.

If I have over 300 hours on a particular multi-engine helicopter, will my CASA type-rating be transferred to my new EASA licence without needing a type-rating flight test? (i.e. is it just a paperwork exercise?)

Thanks

[paco]

You need 500 hours for that

phil

[Bomber ARIS]

Thanks, Phil

[Hey-Driver]

Thanks for the information ersa.

Which part of CASA talking to EASA to get recognition of ATPL subjects do you think is a joke? The possibility that they could actually cooperate to that degree, or are you referring to the reduction of exams possibly affecting the ATPL holder's competence in their new country of ops?

Hats off to you for doing the 14 exams , but recognition of prior learning is standard in most training and licensing organisations today.

HD

[Hey-Driver]

Bomber ARIS,

The section of UK CAA CAP 804 which covers the 'Acceptance of Class and Type Ratings' says for a type rating issued by a third country to be inserted into your Part-FCL Licence you need:

- to meet the experience requirements for the rating
- pass the relevant skills test
- be in current flying practice
- have 350 hours in that type (for a large twin helicopter)

This suggests that you do need a flight test (they call it a skills test).

HD

Ref: CAP 804, Section 4 Part Q, subsection 2, page 5.

[212man]

This suggests that you do need a flight test (they call it a skills test).

Yes, though it can be done in a simulator.

have 350 hours in that type (for a large twin)

Used to be 500 hrs and still is for aeroplanes.

[ersa]

Hey-driver,

My moons ago , casa was invited to join the UK CAA syllabus , but declined , saying they were busy developing there own syllabus....

Now the UK CAA follow EASA, CASA have zero chance of any recognition , apart from being an ICAO member..

to get a type rating put on the licence, yes you will be up for skills test, but exempt from any training

[Hey-Driver]

I see your point ersa, but I think it's just a matter of time before the EASA makes a determination for all third party states that makes it easier for pilots to move to and work in the EU. It's called globalisation.

CASA has done it for overseas ATPL recognition in Australia, so 'burying the hatchet' is possible.

With an ATPL ground school course in the UK costing over $4000 AU, and taking at least 250 hours of study, I think I might wait this one out.

Could be a while though . Time to go flying...

[paco]

650 hours......

250 for the CPL(H)

Phil

[whoknows idont]

...I think it's just a matter of time before the EASA makes a determination for all third party states that makes it easier for pilots...

You have a lot to learn about how EASA "works"...

[ersa]

Hey driver,

Easa are a protectionist organization, They don't want anyone else in the zone, I agree with you ....You will be long dead before any recognition ....

Just think about type rating , EASA will give you a rating based on your icao rating , but you will need 100 hours for singles and 350 for multis

Your instrument rating , they will give you 15 hours credit, still going to cost you well over 30k pounds to convert it

[singesavant]

Your instrument rating , they will give you 15 hours credit, still going to cost you well over 30k pounds to convert it

Overmore EASA thinks aviation as airplanes and major companies (british airways air france and such...), they don't give a dam about helicopters and smaller operators it is so obvious over here in france; helicopters operator re troubles makers for them...

IR training cost are ridiculous in france thanks to all those regulations!

[Hey-Driver]

650 hrs if you hold a PPL

250 hrs if you hold a CPL and IR

I'd love to see the look on a overseas ATPL holder's face when the UK ATO tells them they have the experience of a PPL holder…'err, that'll be 650 hours of study for your subjects old chap. Come back when you're finished and we'll see what we can do'.

Ref: CAP 804 Part 1, Appendix 3 to PART-FCL, Part H - ATP modular course - Helicopters

This just gets better.

[paco]

Hmm, you're quite right, but we take people through the whole thing anyway, given that 20% of the questions are wrong. Put another way, we work from PPL knowledge. If they have even that.

You cannot pass these exams on knowledge alone. At the moment

Phil

[ersa]

Phil is correct, if you rock up to EASA with any NON EASA icao Licence ATPL,CPL, they will only recognise this as a PPL.

You will then need to pass 13 exams for the CPL or 14 for ATPL, but either way you will need 650 hours of tuition .

[Hey-Driver]

You have a lot to learn about how EASA "works"...

…that's why I'm here asking questions.

It's also why I'm asking for references to authoritative documents, so hopefully I come away with the facts and can make an informed decision.

Thanks for the information so far.